"When everything hurries everywhere, nothing goes anywhere."
~Dejan Stojanovic
Each day we get closer to how life used to be before the pandemic hit. In the last year or so, we have all had the chance to slow down. Going a little slower in general has many benefits. I have talked before about how speed and needless rushing around can become internalized in the body. ( blog entitled “Speed”) I know I feel a little hesitant to go full-speed back to life as it was.
This feeling has reminded me of some wisdom I received years ago when training to be a Relax and Renew certified teacher with Judith Lasater. I have mentioned her many times in my blogs, as I consider her to be a beloved teacher and mentor. Judith says that many people become stressed because of their attitude about time. Each of us is given the same amount of time each and every day. The variable is how we fill it.
Sometimes we confuse keeping ourselves busy with giving our life meaning. When we artificially create urgency in our lives, we inhibit our ability to be compassionate. Impatient, angry people add to their own suffering. For every thought that crosses the mind, there is a physiological change. This becomes a compounding effect when repeated on a daily basis. To counter this, we should learn to move quickly when it’s necessary, but without the weight of anxiety and blame piled on top.
Rather than telling yourself “there is not enough time to get there by 6:00," instead say “apparently I didn’t leave enough time to arrive by 6:00.” Tell yourself you will not create suffering for you or anyone else because you are moving so quickly. Time is big, so allow it to be spacious in your life. As Judith says, “ Don’t try to make the present moment peaceful, make peace with the present moment.”
Many thanks to Jennifer Botka who takes beautiful notes during yoga workshops. And to Judith Lasater for her wisdom.
I had the good fortune recently to spend time with my beloved mother-in-law, Libby. Time with her feeds my soul in a very special way, and she is the impetus for this blog. She said, “Amy, we need people to stand in their truth right now.”
I began reflecting on this after I left her. After arriving home I came across some notes from an online seminar with Judith Lasater and her daughter Lizzie called “Taking Refuge- Finding Peace in the Time of the Virus.” During this talk, the word “overwhelmed” was discussed. We all know the meaning of the word and many of us are feeling that way right now. Judith describes it as being pulled in many directions at once. But, says Judith, it also means disconnecting from ones true self.
My “self” is my highest form of refuge. In this context, refuge is not a location but a connection to your essence, your higher power, or however you define your “inner most knowing.” Refuge is not moving away from what’s happening around you, rather it is running towards what is happening with your own sense of truth. When in doubt, be in your truth and tell the truth as you know it.
What if you aren’t sure what your “truth” is? I suggest taking time for self reflection. Move away from outside stimulus and be quiet. Meditate even if only for 5-10 minutes Take time to not only observe your mind, but love your mind. A dear student sent me this reading recently that speaks to this beautifully:
As She Is
"In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
I realized, through it all, that...
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger - something better, pushing right back.
~Albert Camus
The Yoga Goat 